Wallaroos veteran Emily Chancellor says the team has been invigorated by the presence of a new coach and six fresh faces ahead of Friday’s season-opening Test against Fiji.
Australia is beginning a new cycle after losing to Canada in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in September.
Coach Jo Yapp has moved back home to England and former NSW Waratahs prop Sam Needs is in charge on an interim basis.
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Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp and assistant Sam Needs at Sydney Grammar School. Getty
Rugby Australia is expected to decide on a fulltime coach after the Pacific Four Series in April.
Chancellor said Needs was impressing so far.
“As a type A human, I love how organised he is and how structured training is. You know exactly where you stand with him,” the Waratahs flanker said.
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Layne Morgan and Emily Chancellor of Australia celebrate. Getty
“He’s a pretty black and white character, and that can be confronting at times, but it’s also something that really helps the girls grow in resilience.
“We’ve had so much time together, we’ve had three internal games that we’ve absolutely bashed the bleep out of each other.”
Needs’ backline for the Canberra clash includes three uncapped players.
Western Force pair Nicole Ledington and Brooklyn Teki-Joyce will debut at No.10 and on the left wing respectively while sevens star Sidney Taylor is at outside centre.
Taylor’s sevens teammate Piper Simons, backrower Lily Bone and hooker Brittany Merlo, are in line for maiden Test appearances off the bench.
“I am so energised by the new group that’s coming through. They’re fearless, they’re fit, and they’re skilful,” said Chancellor, who has played 34 Tests.
“The two backrowers (Bone and Dillyn Blackburn) who have joined this squad this year are awesome. They’ve both got so much energy.”
The Wallaroos have not lost to Fiji in four previous meetings.
Kickoff at GIO Stadium is at 4.55pm AEDT with Stan Sport coverage from 4.30pm.